Please note: This post was written in 2018, and while it should still give you a good idea of the overall experience, it may also contain some outdated information. For the most up-to-date information, please visit their website.
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Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
Last June I posted this list of many of the outdoor dining spots that we’d visited over the years here at Out and About Mom:
And as usual, our wonderful readers had plenty of suggestions for new places we needed to try! One of the outdoor dining destinations that came up again and again was Harry’s Place in Colchester, CT. In fact, there seemed to be a general sense of disbelief that Harry’s wasn’t already on our list!
Though we made many attempts to get there last summer, we never seemed to get the right combination of time and weather (such a bummer). So I can say that I have literally been waiting all winter to try out this famous roadside eatery!
Now, considering that Harry’s Place has been around for some 97 (NINETY SEVEN!!!) years, I’m a little shocked myself that I hadn’t heard about it sooner (their website has this adorable page filled with memories from people who span the generations; I wanted to read every one!). And judging from the packed parking lot on this Saturday evening, I might just be the only person in CT who didn’t know about Harry’s 🙂
Small lot in front.
MUCH bigger lot around back.
As you can see, Harry’s Place is a roadside stand. All the seating is outdoors. There are some tables in the front, a small patio to the side, and a spacious lawn with picnic tables in back. Based on the number of cars in the lot when we arrived, I was very skeptical about our chances of finding an open table, but there was actually plenty of seating. Since I have two boys who are physically incapable of sitting still for more than a minute and a half, I opted for the spacious lawn seating.
Tables in the front.
Side patio with more tables.
Spacious backyard seating.
While I anchored the table (because of course the boys started galavanting on tree stumps IMMEDIATELY), hubby went out front to place our order at the window. CASH ONLY, by the way. Though there is an ATM on the premises.
Harry’s menu is clearly posted outside the order window.
But if you’re anything like me and have anxiety around trying to figure out what I am going to eat before I get to the front of the line, you’ll be glad to know that you can also see their menu online prior to your visit. There is no kids’ menu at Harry’s, but plenty of kid-friendly food!
It did take around 15-20 minutes until our food was ready (you have to wait by the window for it), so I was really glad that the kids had plenty of space to goof around. We saw people who brought soccer balls, frisbees, bubbles.
Can you tell that this kid has been the son of a blogger since he was one? I get near him with a camera and he instinctively stops everything to pose for me! LOL!
I have to say, I was not at all disappointed by the wait time. It was so lovely just to sit still and enjoy the outdoors for a bit. But when the food came out, I was even more convinced it was worth the wait!
This chicken platter with fries was so big we probably should have just let the kids split one.
My picky eaters won’t touch coleslaw– score for me! It was delicious.
His & Hers burgers
Yummy clam chowder.
Onion rings AND sweet potato fries. Enough said.
Yes, family, now that I have taken all the requisite pictures of your food, you can eat it 🙂
Of course, we had to go back for ice cream after dinner. Just a tip. When we got there the ice cream was being served out of a small, separate window at the side of the building near the patio. At some point while we were there, that window closed up and all ice cream ordering had to be done through the main order window. This caused quite a meltdown (no pun intended) for our kiddos because at first we thought ice cream was no longer being served for the day. We were wrong. Ice cream was purchased. All was right with the world again.
Cookies & Cream on a cone.
Chocolate shake. Does missing both your front teeth make it harder or easier to use a straw?
There were several interesting ice cream flavors like toasted coconut, moose tracks and maple walnut in addition to the old standbys: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, coffee. Scoops, shakes and sundaes too!
Oh, and I was also pleased to discover actual restrooms here. Bonus!
Harry’s is definitely one of those special places where you can just relax on a leisurely summer afternoon or evening. No fuss. No stress. And it’s a great spot to plan a meetup with another family…or perhaps you might just randomly run into someone you know (nice seeing you there, Gugga! 🙂 ).
So rest assured dear readers; Harry’s Place has now made the list! Where to next???
Harry’s Place
104 Broadway Street, Colchester, Connecticut
(860) 537-2410
Hours:
Seasonal. March to October. Hours vary, please call or visit their website for the most current information. (The posted hours were 11:00am to 9:00pm when we were there on 5/5/18.)
Pricing:
Menu prices range from about $3 to $14, with most items being less than $10.
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES
Coffee Mug Friendly: Why not?
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: Hubby was on bathroom duty this trip. He did not see one in the men’s room, but I did not get a chance to check the women’s room.
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES
Outside Food Allowed: Why would you need to bring food?!
Cash Required: YES. CASH ONLY. Though there is an ATM on the premises.
Age Recommendations: ALL AGES
Dress Code: N/A, but you might want to bring sunscreen or bug spray depending on the time of day you visit.
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: N/A
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
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